The storied spot in the Nevada desert known by science-fiction fans, UFO chasers and plane-spotters as Area 51 is real, according to a document recently declassified by the Central Intelligence Agency.

George Washington University’s National Security Archive obtained a document from the CIA about the history of the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft under a public records request and released it this week. While it acknowledges Area 51’s existence, there is no mention of the government storing wrecked alien spacecraft there as movies like “Independence Day” have fantasized.

The document includes information about how officials from the CIA and aircraft maker Lockheed came across the old World War II airstrip that later became known as Area 51, a name based on map coordinates. It was also known as Paradise Ranch and simply “the ranch” in part to make the desolate location seem more appealing.

Lockheed’s secret-plane division, known as the Skunk Works, developed and tested numerous aircraft at Area 51 including the U-2, SR-71 Blackbird, F-117 “stealth fighter” and even a number of unmanned models.

Jeffrey Richelson, a senior fellow with the National Security Archive, studied the recently released document and a version released a decade ago in which Area 51 information was redacted. He said the latest document indicates the CIA may be more forthcoming with other related information.

“The fact that they released this report opens up the possibility of getting further information about these programs,” Richelson said.

Still, the spy agency continues to deny that the site has anything to do with UFOs.

“What readers of the CIA study will find is that CIA tested its U-2 and A-12 reconnaissance aircraft at a site in Nevada sometimes referred to as ‘Area 51.’ What readers won’t find are any references to aliens or other conspiracy theories best left to the realm of science fiction,” a CIA spokesman said.